Local boy set to be fourth youngest on European Tour

Max Ting, who made it through qualifying for the Hong Kong Open, will be 13 years and 288 days when he tees off

Max Ting is set to become the fourth youngest golfer in history to play in a European Tour event after making it through the rigours of Hong Kong Open qualifying on Monday.

Ting, who will be 13 years and 288 days when he tees off in the first round next Thursday, tied with fellow amateurs Doug Williams and Humphrey Wong to take one of three qualifying spots on a total of six-over 146 after carding rounds of 72 and 74 over the New Course at Fanling.

Veteran pro and television commentator Dominique Boulet also finished on 146 but declared he would be unable to participate upon learning he couldn’t take the time off work to play.

It’s great and I’m really looking forward to play in the Open

Max Ting

“That’s amazing, I didn’t know that,” said Ting, a member at Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club, on learning of his milestone.

“It’s great and I’m really looking forward to play in the Open. I tried to stay calm and play my own game. I felt very good.”

China’s Ye Wocheng broke Guan Tianlang’s record as the youngest European Tour player earlier this year at the China Open aged 12 years and 242 days.

“Hopefully I can make the cut but I’m just going to enjoy the experience,” added Ting.

In-form Williams booked his berth in the elite field despite waking up just 20 minutes before his early morning tee-off time.

The Fanling member, who at the age of 55 will be the oldest player in the Hong Kong Open, got off to a shaky start but bounced back superbly to make the qualifying mark on the number.

“I’m really proud of myself,” said Williams, who has won a raft of tournaments this year, including this month’s Hong Kong Seniors Open Amateur Championship.

“My alarm clock didn’t go off and I rushed out and was six or seven-over through four holes. I told myself to keep patient and it worked out. I’m pretty happy.”